First Responder Neurofeedback, Inc. Announces NeurOptimal® Services to First Responders in the United States

We are excited to announce a new non-profit, created by Trainers from the NeurOptimal® community, benefiting First Responders across the United States.

Launched by Zengar® Representative, Jennifer Tierney (owner of Parker Neurofeedback) and Stanley Wagner (owner of Puerto Vallarta Neurofeedback), First Responder Neurofeedback, Inc. (FRN) a 501(c)3, was founded to enhance the mental health and well-being of first responders and their families.

Recognizing the unique on-the-job challenges faced by firefighters, paramedics, police officers, and dispatchers, FRN is launching the First Responder Neuro-Wellness Program, a national network of NeurOptimal® Trainers offering NeurOptimal® Dynamical Neurofeedback® as a proactive, non-invasive brain training solution. This program aims to support focus, reaction times, and overall well-being.

By offering non-diagnostic neurofeedback, FRN addresses some of the barriers to entry and stigma around receiving mental health-related services. Since there is no diagnosis required, first responders are free to seek help without fear of fit-for-duty issues. The focus is on proactive intervention, helping individuals manage stress before it escalates.

Program Overview

The First Responder Neuro-Wellness Program has been strategically designed for an immediate national impact.

The Program fills a critical market gap by providing no-cost neurofeedback services to first responder agencies across the United States.

In addition to engaging with larger agencies that oftentimes have wellness programs and benefits, the First Responder Neuro-Wellness Program will focus on less resourced agencies serving rural and smaller communities (94% of the approximately 12,000 local police departments in the United States employ fewer than 100 officers).

How the Program Works

FRN was developed with insight and guidance from members of the first responder community and related stakeholders. FRN's approach to addressing mental health and well-being issues among first responders revolves around the transformative impact of neurofeedback Sessions, accessibility, and strategic funding. Key priorities of the program include:

  1. Grant Pursuits: Identify and pursue grants focused on mental health and care of first responders.
  2. Trainer Identification and Training: Evaluate applicants and train to FRN standards of delivery and reporting of neurofeedback Sessions.
  3. First Responder Neurofeedback Requests: Receive and evaluate neurofeedback requests from first responder agencies.
  4. Match Trainers to Departments: Lead the preliminary engagement and discuss the process of neurofeedback delivery and reporting.
  5. Program Planning and Customization: Conduct pre-Session planning with department leadership and human resources. Establish metrics, such as anonymized participant feedback and departmental reporting. Customize the neurofeedback plan for each employee (number, frequency, and duration) based on schedules and individual goals.
  6. Deliver Neurofeedback Sessions: Provide a schedule of Sessions coordinated with schedules and responsibilities. Set up neurofeedback services on-site (at the department) or nearby Trainer's office.
  7. Monitor, Evaluate & Report: Reporting to departments and grant funders. Conduct regular assessments, gathering qualitative feedback from participants and quantitative data on stress levels, mood changes, and job performance metrics.

Trainer Benefits and Requirements

Since FRN operates through a network of certified NeurOptimal® Trainers, Trainers are at the center (and crucial) in the delivery of training Sessions. The national network of Trainers provides the neurofeedback Sessions, while FRN handles grant management, department requests, training coordination, and funding allocation.

Trainer requirements to participate in the First Responder Neuro-Wellness Program include:

  • Minimum Basic Certification (Advanced preferred)
  • 12 months of an active NeurOptimal® training business
  • PASS membership for any device utilized in the training program
  • Monthly reporting of training Sessions utilizing Neurofeedback Stats (free for Trainers in the program)
  • Additional requirements include business operations and ongoing training

Program Kick-off Webinar

A program kick-off webinar will be held to inform potential Trainers about the First Responder Neuro-Wellness Program. This webinar will detail the program's mission to enhance the mental health and well-being of first responders, including how the program works, funding of departments and training Sessions, and required reporting to grant funders. Details about the webinar will be shared with interested Trainers.

To learn more about First Responder Neurofeedback, visit:

www.firstresponderneurofeedback.com

First Responder organizations' application

www.firstresponderneurofeedback.com/organization-application